Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: time from first symptoms to treatment initiation and associated factors

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the time elapsed from first symptoms to the treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOC) and to identify variables associated with treatment delay. This is an observational study with retrospective and prospective data collection. Patients with a diagnosis of OOC seen at the Head and Neck Surgery outpatient clinic of a Brazilian public hospital were included and followed up to treatment initiation. Participants answered a questionnaire for the collection of socioeconomic, demographic, cultural, and clinical information, as well as information about the time elapsed from first symptoms to the first appointment with a head and neck surgeon. Time to treatment was classified into four intervals: 1- first symptoms to first medical appointment; 2- first medical appointment to specialized medical care; 3- specialized medical care to preparation for treatment; and 4- preparation for treatment to treatment initiation. Bivariate statistics were computed. Out of 100 participants, nine died before treatment. Mean time to treatment was 217 days. Highest mean time was observed for interval 2 (94 days), followed by interval 1 (63 days), interval 4 (39 days), and interval 3 (21 days). At interval 1, a longer time was associated with severe alcohol consumption, severe smoking, and family history of cancer. At interval 2, the delay was associated with appointment with a general practitioner, clinical diagnosis of disease other than cancer, and antibiotic prescription. At interval 4, delay in treatment was associated with surgical treatment. Patients with OOC experience delays from symptom onset to treatment initiation. The longest interval was associated with professional delay, followed by patient delay in help-seeking.

Advanced carcinoma of the oropharynx: survival analysis comparing two treatment modalities

Abstract About 92,000 new cases of oropharynx carcinoma are expected to occur annually worldwide. There is no consensus about the best therapy for these advanced tumors. The objective of the present study was to evaluate overall and disease-free survival rates of patients with advanced oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma, comparing surgery + radiotherapy with chemotherapy + radiotherapy. Medical records of patients were reviewed. Previously treated tumors were excluded. Clinical, demographic and microscopic information was collected, and p16 staining was performed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted. Forty-seven cases were included, 41 men and 6 women, having a mean age of 56.3 years. Most patients were smokers (85.1%) and consumed alcohol (74.5%). Patients were stage III (21.3%) or IV (78.7%). Most lesions affected the base of the tongue (36.2%). Of the 23 cases available for p16 testing, 3 were positive (13.0%). There was no difference between the overall and the disease-free survival rates for the two treatment modalities (p>0.05), even when only resectable tumors were compared. Seventeen cases experienced recurrence (36.2%); 16 (34.0%) patients remained alive without disease; 15 (31.9%) died due to disease; 9 (19.2%) were recurrent at the last follow-up. The two treatment protocols were equally efficient in treating advanced oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma, since both promoted similar overall and disease-free survival rates. The results and interpretations related herein mostly regard "conventional" oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, as opposed to HPV-associated tumors.

Oral Cancer: Socio-Spatial Analysis of a Brazilian Sample / Câncer Bucal: Análise Socioespacial de uma Amostra Brasileira / Cáncer Oral: Análisis Socioespacial de una Muestra Brasileña

Introduction:Socio-spatial measures are largely used in health research, but it is still unusual in oral cancer investigation. Objective: This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and clinical features of oral cancer and analyze the spatial distribution of the disease in relation to the neighborhood socioeconomic status including availability of health care centers.Method: Sociodemographic, clinical and histopathologic data were collected from patients treated from 2005 to 2015. Descriptive data analyses of all variables were performed. The spatial analysis was carried out through the program R. Geographic distribution of patients' home addresses was analyzed using Ripley's K function and Kernel maps. The socio-spatial vulnerability was defined by household income and home adequacy. Results: Of the 127 patients included, the majority were males (76.4%), Caucasian or Brown (82.7%), married (35.4%), with low educational level (71.6%) and mean age of 59.5 years. Cases were distributed in clusters characterized by lower median income and inadequate sanitary conditions. Primary health care centers were homogeneously distributed throughout the city. Conclusion: These oral cancer cases are concentrated in regions under relatively low socioeconomic conditions, and despite the homogeneous distribution of primary health care centers, it is not enough to promote access for patients and oral cancer remains being diagnosed late

Introdução: Medidas socioespaciais são amplamente utilizadas na pesquisa em saúde, mas ainda pouco exploradas em relação ao câncer de boca.Objetivo: Descrever as características sociodemográficas e clínicas do câncer de boca e analisar a distribuição espacial da doença em relação ao status socioeconômico do bairro, incluindo a disponibilidade de centros de saúde. Método: Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos dos pacientes atendidos no período de 2005 a 2015. Foram realizadas análises descritivas dos dados de todas as variáveis. A análise espacial foi realizada por meio do programa R. A distribuição geográfica dos endereços residenciais dos pacientes foi analisada usando a função K de Ripley e mapas de Kernel. A vulnerabilidade socioespacial foi definida pela renda familiar e adequação do domicílio. Resultados: Dos 127 pacientes incluídos, a maioria era do sexo masculino (76,4%), branca ou parda (82,7%), casada (35,4%), com baixa escolaridade (71,6%) e idade média de 59,5 anos. Os casos foram distribuídos em grupos caracterizados por menor renda mediana e condições sanitárias inadequadas. Conclusão: Os casos de câncer oral estão concentrados em regiões de baixa condição econômica. Embora os centros de atenção primária à saúde tenham sido homogeneamente distribuídos por toda a cidade, isso não é suficiente para promover o acesso dos pacientes e o câncer de boca continua sendo diagnosticado tardiamente.

Introducción: Las medidas socioespaciales son ampliamente utilizadas en las investigaciones relacionadas con la salud, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios en relación con el cáncer oral. Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas del cáncer oral y analizar la distribución espacial de la enfermedad en relación con el estado socioeconómico del vecindario, la disponibilidad de centros de salud. Método: Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos e histopatológicos de pacientes tratados entre 2005 y 2015. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos de los datos para todas las variables. El análisis espacial se realizó utilizando el programa R. La distribución geográfica de las direcciones de los hogares de los pacientes se analizó utilizando la función K de Ripley y los mapas de Kernel. La vulnerabilidad socioespacial se definió por el ingreso familiar y la adecuación del hogar. Resultados: De los 127 pacientes incluidos, la mayoría eran hombres (76.4%), blancos o morenos (82.7%), casados (35.4%), con baja educación (71.6%) y edad promedio 59,5 años. Los casos se distribuyeron en grupos caracterizados por ingresos medios más bajos y condiciones sanitarias inadecuadas. Los centros de atención primaria de salud se distribuyeron de manera homogénea en toda la ciudad. Conclusión: Estos casos de cáncer están concentrados en regiones con condiciones socioeconómicas relativamente mas bajas. A pesar de la distribución de la atención primaria, esta no suficiente para promover el acceso de los pacientes a ella y su diagnóstico continúa siendo tardío.

Retalho miocutâneo infrahioideo: reconstrução de defeitos cirúrgicos no andar inferior da boca / The musculocutaneous infrahyoid flap: reconstruction of surgical defects in the floor of the mouth

Introdução: O retalho miocutâneo infrahioideo (RMI) foi descrito por Wang em 1986. É utilizado em Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço para reconstrução após ressecção de tumores, com sua principal indicação em tumores de andar inferior de boca. Objetivo: Avaliar, de forma retrospectiva, a exequibilidade e confiabilidade do RMI. Método: RMI foi utilizado na reconstrução cirúrgica em 25 pacientes portadores de carcinoma de andar inferior de boca. Apenas um dos cirurgiões do grupo tinha experiência prévia com a técnica. Os demais realizaram um único procedimento sob supervisão, a partir do qual os realizavam de forma independente. Resultados: Em três casos (12,0%) houve deiscência de sutura entre o retalho e o leito receptor, formação de fístula salivar e consequente deiscência de sutura no sítio doador. Em quatro pacientes (16,0%) houve epidermólise, com descamação e posterior reepitelização, sem necessidade de reintervenção cirúrgica.a Em dois pacientes (8,0%), houve necrose total da pele no terço distal do retalho, tratada com debridamento local. Não houve necrose muscular do RMI e não ocorreram complicações tardias. Comparando-se os três cirurgiões, não se observou diferenças nas taxas de complicações. Conclusão: O RMI é exequível no nosso meio, pois não demanda material específico e tem rápida curva de aprendizado. Os cirurgiões com vivência na especialidade podem facilmente incorporar essa técnica em sua rotina de reconstrução. As taxas de complicações são aceitáveis. O RMI é útil para reconstrução em cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço, notadamente para tumores iniciais de assoalho de boca e língua oral.

Introduction: The musculocutaneous infrahyoid flap (MIF) was described by Wang in 1986. It is used in reconstruction on head and neck surgery, with its main indication in tumors of the mouth floor. Objective: Evaluate retrospectively, the feasibility and reliability of the MIF. Method: The MIF was used in the surgical reconstruction in 25 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal floor. Only one surgeon of the group had prior experience with the technique. The other two surgeons performed the first procedure under supervision, then they performed independently. Results: Three cases (12.0%) had dehiscence between the flap and the recipient site, salivary fistula formation and subsequent wound dehiscence at the donor site. Four patients (16.0%) had epidermolysis with flaking and subsequent re-epithelialization without need for surgical intervention. In two patients (8.0%), there was complete necrosis of the distal skin flap treated with debridement site. There was no muscle necrosis of MIF and there were no late complications. Comparing the three surgeons , no differences in complication rates was observed. Conclusion: MIF is feasible in our country because it does not require special equipment and has fast learning curve . Surgeons with experience in the art can easily incorporate this technique into your routine reconstruction. Complication rates are acceptable. The MIF is useful for reconstruction of head and neck surgery, especially for tumors initial floor of the mouth and oral tongue.

Osteonecrose de mandíbula associada ao uso de bisfosfonato após instalação de implantes: relato de caso / Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonate use after implant placement: case report

A reabilitação bucal de pacientes com perdas dentárias múltiplas ou unitárias com implantes osseointegrados tem se tornado um tratamento com altas taxas de sucesso. Apesar disso, uma séria complicações pode afetar a sobrevida desses implantes, como a osteonecrose dos maxilares associada ao uso de bisfosfonatos. Os bisfosfonatos são uma classe de medicamentos que têm por função a inibição da atividade dos osteoclastos, interferindo na remodelação e no turnover ósseo. São indicados para retardar o envolvimento ósseo em algumas condições malignas, como em mielomas múltiplos e metástase do câncer de mama e próstata, no tratamento da doença de Paget e da osteoporose. Clinicamente, as BRONJ (Bisphosphonated Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw) aparecem como perda da continuidade da mucosa bucal com exposição do osso subjacente, podendo ser extremamente dolorosas, persistentes e não responder aos tratamentos convencionais. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho é revisar a literatura sobre o tema apresentado e relatar um caso clínico de BRONJ em mandíbula após a fixação de implantes.

Oral rehabilitation of patients with unit or multiple tooth loss with dental implants has become a treatment with high success rates. Nevertheless, a serious complication can affect the survival of these implants: osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that has the function of inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, interfering with remodeling and bone turnover. Are shown to slow bone involvement in some malignancies such as multiple myeloma and metastatic breast cancer and prostate cancer, in the treatment of Paget's disease and osteoporosis. Clinically the BRONJ appear as loss of continuity of the oral mucosa with exposure of the underlying bone and can be extremely painful, persistent and do not respond to conventional treatments. The objective of this paper is to review the literature on the subject and report of a case in BRONJ after implant fixation.

Laringectomia de resgate: utilização do retalho miocutâneo de peitoral maior na prevenção de fístula faringocutânea / The usefulness of a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in preventing salivary fistulae after salvage total laryngectomy

Laringectomias de resgate estão associadas a altas taxas de complicações pós-operatórias. O uso de retalhos na reconstrução do trânsito faríngeo poderia reduzir a incidência destas complicações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilidade do retalho miocutâneo de músculo peitoral maior na prevenção da fístula salivar no pós-operatório de laringectomia total de resgate. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado de abril/2006 a maio/2011, com 31 pacientes portadores de CCE de laringe recidivado, tratados previamente com quimiorradioterapia ou radioterapia isolada, submetidos à laringectomia de resgate. Destes 31 pacientes, a reconstrução da faringe foi realizada com utilização do retalho miocutâneo de músculo peitoral maior em 19 (61%) casos, enquanto o fechamento primário ocorreu em 12 pacientes (39%). RESULTADOS: Foi observada taxa de fistula salivar em (16%) dos pacientes em que se utilizou o retalho e 58% nos pacientes submetidos a fechamento primário da faringe (p < 0,02). Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação ao tempo médio de aparecimento de fistula e reintrodução da dieta por via oral, bem como tempo de uso de cateter nasoentérico para alimentação. CONCLUSÃO: O retalho miocutâneo do músculo peitoral maior mostrou-se como opção capaz de reduzir incidência de fistula salivar em laringectomias de resgate.

Salvage laryngectomy in patients treated with organ preservation protocols is associated with high rates of postoperative complications. The use of non-irradiated tissue flaps in pharyngeal reconstruction could reduce the incidence of these complications. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in preventing salivary fistulae during the postoperative period of salvage total laryngectomy (TL). MATERIALS AND METHOD: This retrospective study enrolled 31 patients operated between April of 2006 and May of 2011. All patients had advanced cancer at the time of the salvage procedure and had been treated with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Pharyngeal reconstruction was performed using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in 19 cases (61%); primary wound closure occurred in 12 patients (39%). RESULTS: Salivary fistulae occurred in 16% of the patients who received the flap and in 58% of the patients with primary closure of the pharynx (p < 0.02). No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups with respect to the mean time for fistula formation, reintroduction of an oral diet, or use of a nasoenteric tube for feeding. CONCLUSION: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was found to reduce the incidence of salivary fistulae in salvage laryngectomy procedures.